July 17, 2018

Apomorphine injection

What is this medicine?

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection under the skin. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. You will also need to take a medicine prescribed by your doctor to prevent nausea and vomiting when you first start treatment. Use exactly as directed. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Stopping this medicine too quickly may cause serious side effects.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medicine is only given as needed to treat 'off' episodes in Parkinson's disease. Contact your health care provider if your symptoms do not respond to the first dose for a particular 'off' episode. Do not use a second dose for that episode. Do not use double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

asthma or other breathing problems

heart disease

history of alcohol or drug abuse

kidney or liver disease

low blood pressure

mental illness

sleep disorder

stroke

an unusual or allergic reaction to apomorphine, sulfites, other medicines foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. This medicine may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure with or without symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, feeling faint, or sweating, especially when you first start treatment or after an increase in dose. Do not get up too quickly from a lying or sitting position. A drop in blood pressure may increase the risk for falling. Report any dizziness or related symptoms to your health care provider as soon as possible. Limit alcoholic drinks. Alcohol may increase the risk of dizziness and drowsiness. Do not take any medications that cause drowsiness without first checking with your health care provider.

If you find that you have sudden feelings of wanting to sleep during normal activities, like cooking, watching television, or while driving or riding in a car, you should contact your health care professional.

This medicine may cause severe nausea and vomiting. Your doctor may prescribe a medication to prevent these symptoms. Do not treat yourself. Not all medicines for nausea and vomiting can be used with this medicine. Talk to your doctor about which one may be right for you.

There have been reports of increased sexual urges or other strong urges such as gambling while taking some medicines for Parkinson's disease. If you experience any of these urges while taking this medicine, you should report it to your health care provider as soon as possible.

You should check your skin often for changes to moles and new growths while taking this medicine. Call your doctor if you notice any of these changes.